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Tonawanda Man Indicted for Selling Deadly Heroin Cocktail that Resulted in the Death of a Local Man

BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a grand jury has handed down a 10 count indictment charging Peter N. Militello, 32, of Tonawanda, N.Y., with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and crack cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, a fine of $1,000,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Opanga, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between January 25 2010 and June 6, 2013, the defendant sold heroin and crack cocaine on several occasions in the City of Buffalo. On May 23, 2013, Militello sold a heroin and fentanyl mixture to an individual residing in Buffalo. Several hours later, the man was found dead in his residence by a family member. An autopsy performed on the man found that he died as a result of acute intoxication from the heroin and fentanyl mixture.

"This is the first prosecution involving this deadly mixture of heroin and fentanyl," said U.S. Attorney Hochul. "Our Office in collaboration with our law enforcement partners at every level, have joined together to warn the public of the deadly consequences of this emerging threat. The community needs to know the dangers of this mixture which can result in death in mere minutes after it enters the body. Let this case serve as a warning to anybody who engages in the trafficking of any illegal narcotics that we will vigorously track you down and bring you to justice."

The indictment is the result of an investigation on the part of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.